Improving the methodology of incident investigations - more effective prevention and improved safety culture

Abstract

Investigation of major accidents, breakdowns and other unforeseen events involving hazardous substances is one of the most important tools for the efficient and effective development of safety management systems. This should be encountered in any management system operated by businesses, either as a specification of the used standard or as a description of various guidelines. These regulations apply to accidents, major accidents, and malfunctions involving the release of hazardous substances. However, they do not refer to the investigation of events outside a normal operation that do not involve the discharge of hazardous substances. It is, therefore, necessary to investigate incidents thoroughly and logically in order to prevent the occurrence of similar incidents and to provide lessons that will develop the further safety-conscious activities of employees.